FAQ

WHAT IS COSMETIC MICROPIGMENTATION?

Cosmetic migropigmentation, also called Cosmetic Tattooing, Semi-Permanent Makeup, or Micropigmentation, is the process of implanting color pigment(s) beneath the surface of the skin by using a small needle to produce the appearance of cosmetic makeup, and to enhance the natural features of the face. All needles used sterile and disposable.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COSMETIC TATTOOING AND BODY TATTOOING?

The purpose of Cosmetic Tattooing is to enhance a person’s natural features. Cosmetic Tattooing is generally softer and more subtle and is meant to be an enhancement. Body tattoos use ink, whereas cosmetic tattoo procedures provided by Rouge Ink use only iron-oxide based pigments. These pigments are designed to gently fade over time. Eventual fading is ideal, as it allows a technician to make changes to shape and color over the years, as a client’s natural facial proportions and coloration will change with time.

WHO IS SUITABLE FOR COSMETIC TATTOOING?

Anyone who finds that a small enhancement of their beauty gives them a lot of confidence.

Anyone who would like to skip part of their daily makeup application.

People with Alopecia, or anyone who has lost their eyebrow/eyelash hairs.

People with visual impairment, unsteady hands, or people with hay fever and watery eyes.

People with sparse eyebrows.

IS COSMETIC TATTOING PAINFUL?

Most clients do experience some discomfort. An effective topical anesthetic cream is used prior to your procedure to numb the area, and a gel to reduce pain and swelling is used throughout the procedure. Pain thresholds may vary, however, we do our very best to ensure that you are comfortable for the entirety of the procedure. If you suspect your pain tolerance is low, please opt for Tylenol before your procedure, as Aspirin and Niacin are blood thinners and therefore not recommended. Please keep in mind that if your appointment is booked during your menstrual cycle, you may be slightly more sensitive.

WHAT ARE THE PIGMENTS MADE OF?

The pigments that we use come in a variety of colors formulated with iron oxide, an ingredient that is safe for the skin. We do not use pigments made from organic ingredients (such as vegetable dyes) as they often cause mild allergic reactions. The pigment is placed underneath the dermal layer of the skin, and the resulting shade is soft and muted, unlike conventional cosmetics, which sit above the epidermis.

HOW LONG DOES COSMETIC TATTOOING LAST?

The treatment is considered semi-permanent and will not wash off. However, it will fade over time and last anywhere between 1-4 years, (3-7 for lips) depending on skin type, pigment color chosen, among many other unpredictable factors. Most clients prefer to have a touch up every 1-2 years to maintain a “fresh” look. Frequency of touch-ups will depend on a number of factors including: the pigment color used (lighter colors fade faster), lifestyle (sun exposure), iron deficiency (your body may absorb the iron-oxide as a supplement), and if any chemical peels come into contact with treated area(s). Please note that final results cannot be guaranteed, as each individual skin type will hold pigments differently and fade at varying rates. We will evaluate how your skin has deposited the pigment at your touch-up appointment and make any necessary adjustments to achieve ideal volume and symmetry.

Touch-ups are normal for cosmetic tattoo procedures, with each new procedure requiring a total of 2 visits (the initial procedure, followed by a free touch-up procedure). Previously tattooed eyebrows may require one or two additional appointments.

HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO GET TATTOOED?

You must be at least 18 years of age in order to receive a service from Rouge Ink.

CAN I BOOK A SERVICE IF I AM PREGNANT OR NURSING?

As a simple precaution, we do not provide services for those who are pregnant or nursing.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED?

2 appointments are generally required for optimal results, with a minimum of 6 weeks in between. At times, one treatment may suffice, and for others, an additional (3rd session) is needed which we will perform at a minimum charge. Please see our Services section for more details on pricing. During the touch-up treatment, we will how the skin has healed and make any necessary adjustments. Every client heals uniquely, and at different rates.

WHAT FACTORS WILL AFFECT MY COSMETIC TATTOO?

Sun exposure & tanning beds: UV rays will speed up the fading rate of your tattoo. Sunblock is encouraged for the sake of longevity.

Skin cell regeneration: The longer that your cycle of skin regeneration is, the longer the pigment will hold. This essentially affects the rate at which your skin absorbs pigment as well.

Pigment color: Lighter colored pigments selections with lighter colors tend to fade a bit more quickly than those with darker colors.

Treatment area: The skin of the face regenerates more quickly.

WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE MY PROCEDURE?

*Please also refer to our PRE-PROCEDURE page for details regarding each specific procedure type*. If you have an ideal shape and/or color in mind, feel free to bring any reference photos with you. Please do not pluck the area for at least 3 days before your procedure. If there are any stray hairs that fall outside of our final design (eyebrows only), we will gently remove them. If you regularly fill-in your eyebrows, you are welcome to do so prior to your appointment and/or bring your pencil, so we can get a sense of what your daily makeup looks like.

HOW LONG IS THE INITIAL APPOINTMENT / TOUCH-UP APPOINTMENT?

The initial appointment can range between 2-2.5 hours. The touch-up appointment takes between 1-1.5 hours.

HOW WILL I LOOK IMMEDIATELY AFTER? CAN I RETURN TO WORK RIGHT AWAY? CAN I GO TO AN EVENT?

Your treatment will appear darker, bolder and larger for the first few days than is expected for the final result. Other than some sensitivity, the healing process should not be painful. The area will be slightly reddened and swollen, and you must keep it moisturized. Please keep this in mind if you are planning any social outings immediately after your procedure. Your tattoo will fade ~30-40% during the healing process. In many cases, the color will even be TOO light, which is why we offer a free touch-up appointment.

If you plan on traveling, it is recommended that you plan your trip a minimum of 2 weeks after the procedure. If this cannot be avoided, please cover the treated area as best as possible to keep it out of the Sun. Ideally, you should also avoid any blood thinners (Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E) for 1-2 days after the appointment for best healing results.

WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER THE PROCEDURE?

We will provide you with Aftercare instructions following your procedure. It is highly recommended that you follow these instructions diligently to ensure a comfortable healing process, as well as to achieve ideal results. The most crucial aspect of Aftercare is to keep the treated area moist. DO NOT pick at the healing area. Premature removal of pigment can compromise your results. Please avoid extreme heat and contaminated bodies of water (such as Jacuzzis, saunas, steam rooms, pools, lakes, places with heat and humidity) for at least 2 weeks.

HOW WILL MY COSMETIC TATTOO LOOK IN THE FUTURE?

During your appointment, we will analyze your skin’s undertone to evaluate how pigment colors will fade over time. We may combine pigments to ensure that the color remains in the same tone. The majority of our clients’ treatments stay true to color. In rare cases, colors might fade to different tones, depending on the individual response to the pigment (such as iron deficiencies, and lifestyle). At your touch-up appointment, we will assess how your skin has responded to the initial color. We can alter the color mixture to make any necessary corrections, and to prevent any further color changes in the future.

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT LONG TERM CARE?

To keep the color true, we recommend using sunblock on the treated area once your tattoo has healed completely. As with any tattoo, UV exposure will speed up the fading process. The pigment used is iron-oxide based, therefore your body will absorb it as mineral irons over time. You may desire a touch-up every few years. The rate of fading varies based on your lifestyle, skin type, sun exposure, pigment color selection, iron deficiency, broken capillaries, and if any chemical peels were done after your procedure.

If you are planning to have laser treatments, please let your technician know to avoid treatment on the pigmented area. Laser may change the color of the tattoo.

CAN I GET AN MRI WITH A COSMETIC TATTOO?

If you are planning a chemical peel, MRI or other medical procedure, please inform the technician that you have had an iron-oxide cosmetic tattoo. Careful application must be taken to avoid affecting the tattooed area.

Generally, the staff at these medical practices will ask if you have any tattoos prior to these procedures, so don’t worry too much about forgetting to do this.

WILL COSMETIC TATTOOING WORK WELL FOR MY SKIN TYPE?

If your skin is extremely oily, Feathered Eyebrows may not be the best option for you. The high levels of oil production may cause the fine hair strokes to heal with a softer look. Your result may be a more powdered look. However most clients are still satisfied with the softer hair stroke look.

If you are iron deficient or Anemic, your pigment may fade more quickly as your body will absorb the pigment. It is recommended to supplement with Iron if you don’t already. A bit of bleeding/bruising may occur during and after the procedure.

WILL MY TATTOO BE PERFECTLY SYMMETRICAL?

The structure of a human face is never perfectly symmetrical, and muscle movements are often dominant on one side of the face. For this reason, *perfect* symmetry cannot be guaranteed. We will, however, guarantee the absolute BEST possible balance and symmetry for your face, by using specific tools and implementing specific techniques. We will not commence with the procedure until you are absolutely satisfied with your design. ????

IS YOUR EQUIPMENT SAFE AND STERILE?

Most certainly. Our space is kept very clean and up to health standards. We use single-use disposable needles and supplies. Our equipment is sterile and safe for use, and we dispose of everything else safely after each client. Our surfaces are thoroughly disinfected before and after each procedure.

ARE THERE ANY RISKS?

As with any invasive procedure, there are risks involved. These include undesired results in colour, allergic reactions, infection, or scarring. All of these risks are extremely rare cases. Adhering to all safety guidelines, having an impeccably clean and sterile working space, using a reputable brand of pigments, and having a technician who has been trained at a prestigious institution – all of these things will greatly minimize any risks. We take your health and safety very seriously at Rouge Ink and you can be assured that all of these steps are taken.

WHAT TYPES OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?

Through a secure Square Reader, we accept all major Credit Cards, Cash and Visa Debit. We prefer Cash simply because it does not carry any processing fees, however we will gladly work with whatever payment method is most convenient for our clients. Unfortunately, Square does not currently accept Interac payments.

HOW DO I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?

Appointments can be made online on our BOOKING PAGE. Please note that a $150.00 CAD deposit is required to schedule and secure your appointment, and is simply put towards the total cost of your tattoo. This deposit is to ensure that you are committed to your appointment, and is non-refundable. If you miss or cancel your appointment, you will simply forfeit your deposit. A 48 hour notice is required to reschedule.

IS IT CUSTOMARY TO LEAVE A TIP?

Typically in the tattoo industry, clients will tip their technician as it is considered a personal service. That being said, while we humbly and greatly appreciate tips, we do not necessarily expect them.